I feel like there's an element of wanting to have and eat ones cake here. Programming isn't so different to playing a music instrument - you become better throu

I feel like there's an element of wanting to have and eat ones cake here. Programming isn't so different to playing a music instrument - you become better through a lot of deliberate, sustained practice. like it or not, people who have the time and inclination can jump ahead of others in competence the same way a musician who practices 8 hours a day can. It's not particularly compatible with having kids, but it makes you a better musician. I'm all in favour of finding better ways to let programmers who don't have side projects stand out but I don't think that devaluing side projects is the way to do that.